Atletico Madrid Prepares Final €40M Bid for Sporting Captain Hjulmand

Atletico MadridTeam·Atletico Madrid is poised to submit a decisive new offer for Sporting CPTeam·Sporting CP captain Morten HjulmandPlayer·Morten Hjulmand, signaling an intensified effort to meet the Portuguese club's financial demands. After an initial €35 million proposal was rejected, the Spanish giants are now ready to increase their bid to €40 million, with potential add-ons pushing the total value to €45 million, according to recent reports.

Sporting president Frederico Varandas has maintained a firm stance throughout negotiations, establishing a €40 million fixed base as mandatory for any deal involving the 27-year-old Danish international. This unwavering position has guided the discussions, with Atletico MadridTeam·Atletico Madrid now prepared to align with this valuation, making a breakthrough appear imminent.

All parties involved – Sporting CPTeam·Sporting CP, Atletico MadridTeam·Atletico Madrid, and Morten HjulmandPlayer·Morten Hjulmand – are pushing for a swift resolution. The objective is to finalize the transfer within the upcoming week, ensuring Hjulmand's future is settled before Rui BorgesCoach·Rui Borges' squad departs for their pre-season training camp in the Algarve on July 11. In Madrid, manager Diego SimeoneCoach·Diego Simeone is reportedly keen to integrate the midfielder into his tactical setup as soon as possible, highlighting the urgency from the Spanish capital.

Hjulmand has been a pivotal figure for Sporting CPTeam·Sporting CP since his arrival from LecceTeam·Lecce, quickly becoming the heartbeat of the team and earning the captain's armband. His impressive performances, characterized by tactical intelligence, robust ball recovery skills, and strong leadership, have made him one of the most significant figures in the current transfer market. His departure would mark the conclusion of a highly successful three-year cycle in Lisbon, during which he made 141 appearances, scoring 10 goals and providing 12 assists. He also lifted three major trophies, including two Primeira Liga titles and the Portuguese Cup.

The Danish international had expressed a desire for a move as early as last year, but Sporting CPTeam·Sporting CP blocked his departure. A promise was made to Hjulmand that he would be allowed to leave this summer for a "favourable price," an agreement that is now active. Atletico MadridTeam·Atletico Madrid has reportedly reached a total agreement on personal terms with Hjulmand, who is keen on the move to La LigaCompetition·La Liga and has agreed to a five-year contract with an optional sixth year.

Atletico's pursuit of Hjulmand intensified after they reportedly abandoned interest in Wolves midfielder Joao GomesPlayer·Joao Gomes. This shift in strategy, stemming from a breakdown in relations with agent Jorge Mendes during negotiations for Bernardo SilvaPlayer·Bernardo Silva, cleared the path for Hjulmand to become Simeone's priority target. While AC MilanTeam·AC Milan had also been heavily linked with Hjulmand, particularly following Ruben AmorimPlayer·Amorim's appointment as manager, Atletico MadridTeam·Atletico Madrid has now emerged as the clear frontrunner to secure his signature.

Sporting CPTeam·Sporting CP is already preparing for Hjulmand's anticipated departure, having officially presented Spanish midfielder Sergi AltimiraPlayer·Sergi Altimira, who is expected to take over the crucial midfield role. Atletico MadridTeam·Atletico Madrid, having finished 4th in La LigaCompetition·La Liga in the 2025/26 season and secured a spot in the 2026-2027 Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League league phase, views Hjulmand as a key reinforcement to bolster their squad for the upcoming campaign.